The Science of Dune: An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind Frank Herbert's Fictional Universe (Psychology of Popular Culture) [Paperback]

Kevin R. Grazier (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 11, 2007 | Series: Psychology of Popular Culture

With Sandworms of Dune—the last title in the bestselling Dune science fiction series—due to be released in August 2007, sci-fi fans wanting to brush up on their Dune trivia and analyze the books from a fresh viewpoint will be able to do so with this definitive reference. Delving into the world of Dune, this guide offers fascinating scientific speculation on topics including physics, chemistry, ecology, evolution, psychology, technology, and genetics. It also scrutinizes Frank Herbert’s science fiction world by asking questions such as Is the ecology of Dune realistic? Is it theoretically possible to get information from the future? Could humans really evolve as Herbert suggests? and Which of Herbert’s inventions have already come to life? This companion to the Dune series is a must-have for any fan who wants to revisit this science fiction world and explore it even further.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An indispensable volume for Dune fans everywhere, and another validation of Herbert’s fictional universe as one of sf’s towering achievements"  —Booklist

About the Author

Kevin Grazier, PhD, is the science advisor for the Sci-Fi Channel series Battlestar Galactica and Eureka and the PBS animated series The Zula Patrol. He also works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He splits his time living in Sylmar, California, and Mesa, Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Smart Pop (December 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933771283
• ISBN-13: 978-1933771281
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #582,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting collection of essays, May 11, 2009

By 

Greg A. Tirevold (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Science of Dune: An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind Frank Herbert's Fictional Universe (Psychology of Popular Culture) (Paperback)

This book is really a collection of essays by various authors about topics of the Dune setting. Obviously, with so many authors the books lacks a single unifying tone or mood as some essays use more humor than others, others are more narrow in focus, etc. The result can be "uneven" especially when read in a couple of sittings.

I think my favorite essay was on "Melange" and the way the author Dr. Carol Hart relates it to LSD and other mind altering drugs is interesting approach. Very much a "you get out of it what you put into it" sort of situation. I also liked the deconstruction of the Stillsuit by John C. Smith. As an engineer I had always wondered about the thermodynamics of the device and was interested in seeing if someone had a plausible method for allowing it to function.

You don't need much "Dune" experience to understand and enjoy this book. If you have read the first novel, seen the movie or Sci-Fi channel mini-series you will know enough to relate to the essays.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Science in science fiction!, January 28, 2008

By 

Sheryl Parsons "Sherry" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Science of Dune: An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind Frank Herbert's Fictional Universe (Psychology of Popular Culture) (Paperback)

Who knew? The book is a mostly informative/entertaining compendium of essays on the science really found in Dune. Did Herbert really mean to have science in the canon? Who cares! It's there to be had. The don't miss essays are the Stars of Dune (with mileage charts) and My Tleilaxu Eyes (the most creative essay in the book). Pick it up, give it a read and enjoy the science!

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Dune nerd's wet-dream, September 25, 2008

By 

M. Torres (Lawrence, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Science of Dune: An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind Frank Herbert's Fictional Universe (Psychology of Popular Culture) (Paperback)

Do you like Dune? I mean...do you REALLY LIKE Dune? No no...I mean do you like it so much that you've sat around and wondered about how a stillsuit would work, or whether or not a drug like the spice could actually exist? Or how a sandworm is even possible (if at all)? Better yet, have you ever posted on a message board about these things? If you answer yes to any of these last few then you're a huge nerd and this book is for YOU.